The Man Who Lit the Movies

Public Talk to Explore the Remarkable Story of R.R. Beard, Inventor of Cinema Lighting

BOOK YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE HERE

The fascinating story of R.R. Beard, the British inventor whose innovations helped shape the early cinema and film industry, will be explored in a public talk at St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth on Saturday 17 October 2026.

Presented by Evan Venn, retired Chief Technologist of Hewlett Packard, former member of Guildford Table Club, technical systems designer, and a long standing contributor to community heritage and engineering history, the talk will reveal how Beard became one of the pioneering figures of the moving-picture age.

Evan is also Chairman of the Wonersh Surgery Patient Participation Group and co-leads the Godalming Repair Café, a Rotary Community Corps initiative.

Over many years, Evan has worked extensively with archival material, family records, museum collections and technical documentation to bring clarity to stories that might otherwise have been lost. Many members of his close and extended family have contributed to the research and collation of the historical evidence, making this very much a family effort.

Drawing on these unique sources, Evan will trace Beard's journey from manufacturing magic lantern equipment in Victorian Britain to developing technologies that contributed to the growth of cinematography and cinema lighting. His company ultimately evolved into today's Photon Beard, whose products continue to be used within the film and television industry.

The story spans craft, innovation and a remarkable period of technological change. It is a story rooted in real people, real engineering and a legacy that still resonates today.

The talk takes place in the Assisi Room, St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth, Guildford GU4 8QR, from 10.30am to 12 noon.

Tickets are £10 early bird until 30 September 2026, rising to £12 thereafter. A small booking fee applies. Places are limited and advance booking is essential via www.ticketsource.com (search Chilworth Abbey).

BOOK YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE HERE

All proceeds support the monastery. With sincere thanks to Evan Venn.